Properties of exponents

Last updated: 11 Nov 2008

Now for a look at some of the properties of exponents.

To the power of zero

What does it mean to raise a number to the power of zero?

For example what is mathematical expression?

By definition we say that any number to the power of zero is equal to one. So,

mathematical expression

Fractional exponents

The only fractional exponents you will come across in the GMAT are mathematical expression and mathematical expression.

These correspond to square root and cube root respectively. For example,

mathematical expression

Negative exponents

What does it mean to raise a number to the power of a negative number?

For example what is mathematical expression?

By definition we say that it is equal to the inverse (or reciprocal) of the positive power.

mathematical expression

Similarly

mathematical expression

Next page: Multiplication, division and powers of exponents

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